Santorini Travel Guide

    Santorini was so incredibly amazing! The people are so nice, the food is so fresh and delicious and of course the island and scenery itself is spectacular.  I went from Friday early in the morning to Sunday evening and it was absolutely perfect.  It’s low season right now so the island wasn’t too busy and we still got to do everything we wanted in a short weekend.  We stayed in Oia (pronounced EE-AH) in the most stunning hotel and I highly recommend staying in that area of town, which is the north tip of the island. The weekend was so relaxing and the island so beautiful and welcoming, I already can’t wait to be back!

Do:

Take steps down to Ammoudi Bay

Ammoudi Bay is around 15-20 minutes for Oia, but don’t be fooled, that’s not including the 250 steps it takes to go down. It is so worth it though! The bay is lined with restaurants and what we did was walk like 15 more minutes down to the nearest black beach and then came back for lunch.  If you’re too tired or full to climb the steps, you can always go up by donkey!

Kissing Fish

I think this is one of the funniest and strangest experiences I’ve had while abroad. I know it seems pretty scary, I was so nervous at first, but I swear it’s worth all the tickles! This place was super clean and the girls so nice; we started by paying for 10 minutes ($10) but ended up wanting to do 20 ($15). 

Rent ATV

Driving around all of Santorini was so amazing, it honestly gave me the most liberating feeling! We rented an ATV in a place 5 minutes from the hotel and they were the best! It was both my friend and I’s first time driving them and they gave us all the rules and details and made everything super easy. It was $35 for a full day and a definite must while in Santorini.

Beach Hopping (Red Beach, White Beach, Kamari)

Our plan with the ATVs was to beach hop. Our first stop was Red Beach, all the way on the other tip of the island which was like a 45 minute ATV ride, all through the main road.  Most beaches, if not all, in Santorini are made up of rocks and pebbles, not sand, but it’s still a super cool experience.  I would recommend going in sneakers and taking your flip flops in your bags because since the island is basically like one big mountain, you have to climb down to the beaches from where you leave your car/ATV.  Next was White Beach which has a cool lounge called Theros Wave Bar and Kamari beach where you should definitely go cliff diving. 

Akrotiri

This is an ancient archeological site in Santorini.  It is a Minoan Bronze Age settlement that was destroyed around 1627BC with the Theran volcanic eruption.  It is also said to be a possible inspiration for Plato’s Atlantis. Read more about its fascinating history here. 

Sunset by Byzantine Castle Ruins in Oia 

This is a no brainer, but you have to make a point out of watching the sunset in Santorini.  The most famous spot to watch it from is Oia, more specifically from the Castle Ruins.  Make sure you get there with time as it gets crowded with everyone trying to get a glimpse. 

Eat:

Passagio

A super cute place with fresh Greek snacks and meals, delicious smoothies and bowls plus a terrace overlooking town. 

Ammoudi Fish Tavern

This  place had such nice people and the freshest fish/seafood you will find! We ate right by the water which made the meal even better than it already was.  It has a large menu and the waiters are super helpful with recommendations and picking the right piece of fish.

The Good Heart

I absolutely loved this place.  It’s near Red Beach and we got there on ATV. Right when you walk in you automatically feel how authentic and local it is.  I highly recommend the lamb chops and Anna’s Pie (feta cheese and honey).

Melenio 

This bakery in Oia is a definite must! Old and local, it was our last stop right before leaving since we obviously couldn’t leave without having some delicious Baklava and other Greek treats!

Since it was low season and we had a more relaxed plan we didn’t really do many meals besides late lunch and a dinner at the hotel but these other restaurants were well recommended. 

• Laokasti
• Catch
• Red Bycicle 
• 1800
• Ambrosia

Stay:

Andronis

This was the hotel we stayed at and I think it was one of the best hotels I’ve ever stayed in! The service was beyond. First they pick you up in the parking lot and walk you over to the hotel which is in a pedestrian only area, they sit down with you (you’re already complimentary sangria in hand) and talk to you all about the town, all the services and activities they can hook you up with and give you a map to get yourself oriented.  I think most rooms, including mine, have a terrace and they even bring you complimentary breakfast to be eaten right there! They were always so happy to help and whenever I go back I am for sure staying there again. 

Other recommended hotels:

• Mystique
• Grace
• Princess Spa

Nightlife:

The nightlife in Santorini is mostly in Thira which is the capital. There’s a variety of bars and clubs, all basically on the same street.  I would recommend going bar hopping and then settling on a club (or two! or three!) to go to.

• Two Brothers Bar
• Highlander Bar
• Murphy’s Bar
• Koo Club (not too fancy nightclub great for anyone up for dancing)
• Enigma (fancier, more exclusive-type club)
• Mamounia (all Greek and Greek music club!)